Cadillac XTS Flagship Gets Green Light, Could Get V-8 Power

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Cadillac XTS Flagship Gets Green Light, Could Get V-8 Power

Yesterday 06:00 PM by motortrend_online

General Motors has given the large Cadillac XTS sedan the green light. The car will launch next year as a 2012 model. What's the big deal? After all, this car has barely been under covers since GM emerged from bankruptcy last summer as the all-wheel-drive large sedan, based on the front-drive "Super Epsilon" platform, culminating in a "concept" reveal last January at the Detroit show.

While such projects might seem natural for production to those outside the company, especially considering the age of the DTS and STS this model will replace, corporate approval always is much more arcane and conservative. While a source says GM has given the big Caddy a stamp of approval, there are probably a few more formal approvals to occur before Cadillac confirms it officially.

Designers are working on a production car that looks very much like the XTS Platinum concept, inside and out. And GM accountants are said to be working on assuring that the XTS Platinum concept's Audi-like interior makes it to production virtually unedited.

As this car was being approved, GM was pulling the plug on its handsome Cadillac Converj project. The reason? GM is unsure there's enough demand for extended-range electrics to support the Converj as well as the Chevrolet Volt and the Chevy's European twin, the Opel Ampera. Even with a sticker some $15,000 north of the Volt's, the Converj simply didn't pencil out.

Cadillac instead figures there's profit and green image to be had in the plug-in XTS, which would combine the 3.6-liter gas direct-injection V-6 with the plug-in system originally developed for the Saturn Vue. We also hear of a twin-turbo 3.6 in the works. However, to compete with large German sedans like the Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8 in this category and establish the right image, Cadillac may have to shoehorn a small-block V-8 transversely under the hood. On the other hand, Cadillac could become a bold leader in engine downsizing and offer the XTS only with V-6s.

-Todd Lassa

link:

http://wot.motortrend.com/6625027/auto-news/cadillac-xts-flagship-gets-green-light-could-get-v-8-power/index.html

Read more: http://wot.motortrend.com/6625027/auto-news/cadillac-xts-flagship-gets-green-light-could-get-v-8-power/index.html#ixzz0j6B9QHRX

[Drew Dowdell]

The 3.6 can apparently be increased in displacement to 4.0..... add in twin turbos and the XTS would be a great car to introduce the engine in.

oh... and Audi wishes it had an interior that nice.....

[pow]

[Drew Dowdell]

still not feeling it.....but I guess it's ok in a high end IKEA sort of way

[vonVeezelsnider]

Still in love with the interior but it needs to be on a longer wheelbase. 111.7 doesn't cut it as the interior on the Impala has basically the same wheelbase but I wouldn't call the back seat roomy.

Edited March 24, 2010 by vonVeezelsnider

[NOS2006]

I don't see this receiving a V8. What would they use, the outdated Northstar? Or would they develop a whole new engine just for this? I don't see it happening.

I see the DI 3.6, 3.0 TT, and maybe a larger V6 TT (3.6 perhaps).

[aldw]

XTS is more of an old-timer's vehicle, the true flagship vehicle hasn't been developed yet.

[FAPTurbo]

However, to compete with large German sedans like the Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8 in this category and establish the right image, Cadillac may have to shoehorn a small-block V-8 transversely under the hood.

But the Mercedes S400 Hybrid has a V6 engine in it...

[Robert Hall]

But the Mercedes S400 Hybrid has a V6 engine in it...

That's just a low volume novelty, though. In the US, the volume S-class is the V8 550. In Europe, there are regular V6 S-classes which are probably the volume models along w/ the diesels.

Edited March 24, 2010 by Cubical-aka-Moltar

[Lamar]

I have absolutely no problems with the interior.

But the mechanicals have me . The only V8 engines that GM has that mount transversely are the Northstar (soon to be gone) and the LS4 which they don't even use anymore since the Impala SS/LaCrosse Super/Grand Prix GXP disappeared.

[Robert Hall]

I have absolutely no problems with the interior.

But the mechanicals have me . The only V8 engines that GM has that mount transversely are the Northstar (soon to be gone) and the LS4 which they don't even use anymore since the Impala SS/LaCrosse Super/Grand Prix GXP disappeared.

Yes, the interior of the prototype is fantastic. But a pedestrian FWD platform w/ transverse V8 is 'the weak sauce', not competitive w/ big league RWD models like the S-Class, LS, XJ, or 7-series. The platform limits the car's potential to being just a DTS replacement.

[Lamar]

Yes, the interior of the prototype is fantastic. But a pedestrian FWD platform w/ transverse V8 is 'the weak sauce', not competitive w/ big league RWD models like the S-Class, LS, XJ, or 7-series. The platform limits the car's potential to being just a DTS replacement.

Agreed completely.

However, the lack of availability such an engine makes me wonder if the engine won't, in production guise, be turned 90 degrees.

Hence the .

[Drew Dowdell]

wouldn't that just be a gas.... if they were able to take the epsilon platform and run it RWD with a longitudinal engine in it......

heads would explode....

[CSpec]

This isn't seriously supposed to compete with the 7-series and S-class head on, right? I thought they were taking the approach of the Equus and original LS--start at a much lower pricepoint and gradually improve.

[Lamar]

wouldn't that just be a gas.... if they were able to take the epsilon platform and run it RWD with a longitudinal engine in it......

heads would explode....

You know what I mean, lol.

I'm holding out hope that GM's not showing all their cards yet.

[aldw]

From what I've heard the true S-class fighter would be built on a platform designated 'Beta', but not much news on that right now.

[pow]

wouldn't that just be a gas.... if they were able to take the epsilon platform and run it RWD with a longitudinal engine in it......

heads would explode....

Rover 75. And we know what became of that car...

[SAmadei]

wouldn't that just be a gas.... if they were able to take the epsilon platform and run it RWD with a longitudinal engine in it......

heads would explode....

But luckily the brain juice won't splatter too far, since the Eps is still too narrow.

[ocnblu]

This car, on Zeta (and its attendant sublime proportions), with V6/Hybrid, V6TT and V8 power would be killer.

On Epsilon it is a fogeymobile.

[FAPTurbo]

On Epsilon it is a fogeymobile.

A 'fogeymobile' packed to the gills with technology, an opulent interior, looks, and what would be a very comfortable ride. Sounds like what the market clearly demands, especially the younger market.

Forget drive wheels, and engine size; what will likely hold the Caddy back is badge idiocy.

[Justin Bimmer]

So, last time I checked, 80% of BMW 1 series drivers don't give a flying flip what drive wheels power their car. I think you can safely translate that to Cadillac buyers.

[Camino LS6]

Still hate this car, still love DF's ZTS, not surprised that GM will be building the XTS.

That about sums it up , I think.

[Robert Hall]

So, last time I checked, 80% of BMW 1 series drivers don't give a flying flip what drive wheels power their car. I think you can safely translate that to Cadillac buyers.

Probably more like 95% of Cadillac buyers except for CTS-v buyers and some regular CTS and STS buyers.

Beyond the mediocrity that FWD/transverse implies, it's the dreadful proportions I find such a turn off..the short front wheel-to-door distance, the short, stubby nose..

[Z-06]

So, last time I checked, 80% of BMW 1 series drivers don't give a flying flip what drive wheels power their car. I think you can safely translate that to Cadillac buyers.

Probably with the ATS, but not on this one.

Most of the people in 1 series clientèle are Suzy McMansions or Sam Lookatme in late 20's or early 30's with high salary who just want a BMW, 7 series commands people who know their stuff.

[Justin Bimmer]

I'm still reserving style judgment until I see it in person.